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Live Technique and Perspective Videos

Podcast #17: Gianni Grippo & Joao Faria

The Science of Jiu Jitsu Podcast is back!!!!
We are better than ever, and kickoff our fall shows with a bang. Gianni Grippo and Joao Faria both stop by to share their thoughts on BJJ,Halloween costumes, and the evolution of sport jiu jitsu.
We discuss the upcoming Copa Podio and Metamoris match-ups, discuss fall jiu jitsu season, express disappointment over the current state of competition jiu jitsu, and highlight what the future of BJJ might look like.
Gianni Grippo joins us to discuss his upcoming Metamoris matchup.
Joao Faria stops by to talk about his upcoming Bellator MMA fight next month.

Categories
"It's Science" Videos

It's Science: Keenan Cornelius

keenan cornelius stat pic
Abstract: All matches observed of Keenan Cornelius, used in this small sample, occurred at IBJJF events, inside his weight division, and in the years 2013-2014. Only techniques, occurrences, and outcomes that were recorded are displayed in the data below (i.e. if no butterfly sweeps occurred, there will not be a representation of that in the sample data charts). Matches were selected at random based on freely available matches. This is a limited sample – but given the estimated amount of matches in this time period – it is well above the percentage necessary to create a scientifically validated trend sampling.
The Breakdown:
There may not be a more powerful figure that has entered the BJJ competition scene in the last 10 years than Keenan Cornelius. Cornelius gained significant attention several years ago when he achieved the self-titled – now famed – accomplishment of weight class and absolute “grand slam”; a series of tournament wins in the largest events of the year. Since this accomplishment, Keenan’s stock has been on the rise.
With that in mind, Keenan’s time at black belt has been both short and dense. Cornelius has missed very few major IBJJF events; giving us a phenomenal sample to study. Contrary to just about every one of our previous study subjects, Cornelius has a very diverse portfolio of techniques that he utilizes in competition. We generally see the winningest competitors use a very short list of techniques in competition; however, Cornelius has been able to muster a winning percentage of 73% using a much more complex strategy.
In addition to a strong winning percentage, we see a positive submission percentage in our data of Cornelius as well. Keenan finished his opponents in approximately 55% of his matches, and his average match length was 7 minutes and 48 seconds – both statistics that match-up almost identically with the data we have on Rodolfo Vieira and Guilherme Mendes. What’s most interesting about all this is the difference in which Cornelius achieves these results.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please check out the November issue of Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine

Categories
"It's Science" Videos

It's Science: Gianni Grippo

Full Article In The Next Issue Of Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine

Gianni1

Notable Study Stats:
• 100% of passes were of a leg drag variety
• No sweeps or passes occurred from half-guard
• Won 80% of his matches
• Submitted his opponent in 50% of wins
• Scored first in every match he won
• His average match length was 8 minutes
• 75% of sweeps came from De La Riva or Reverse De La Riva

Abstract: All matches observed of Gianni Grippo, used in this small sample, occurred at IBJJF events, inside his weight division, and in the years 2012-2014. Only techniques, occurrences, and outcomes that were recorded are displayed in the data below (i.e. if no butterfly sweeps occurred, there will not be a representation of that in the sample data charts). Matches were selected at random based on freely available matches online – selected using a random generator from 20 total total IBJJF matches that occurred in in the study timeline. This is a limited sample – but given the estimated amount of matches in this time period – it is well above the percentage necessary to create a scientifically validated trend sampling.

The Breakdown: Gianni Grippo is the youngest competitor we have ever studied. In fact, he has been a black belt competitor for only 1 year so far. It’s a credit to his diligence as a competitor that there is actually a large enough sample to conduct a breakdown. With that in mind, Gianni already displays the characteristic we tend to see in all of our top-competitor breakdowns. Grippo has an incredibly defined tournament strategy and gameplan. This leads to a high winning percentage (80%), and a strong submission percentage (50%).

Gianni is well known for his De La Riva and reverse De La Riva guard game. It’s easy to see why this happens to be the case. This is the foundation that Grippo’s primary strategy is built around. 75% of all of his sweeps that we recorded occurred from DLR or RDLR guard, and he uses these sweeps and attacks to setup his passing and submission techniques. In fact, you could argue that the broadest approach Grippo takes is from the guard. In our study Grippo used 4 different sweeping positions and 4 different sweep-types to attack his opponent from the bottom. As the game further unfolds, Grippo becomes more and more defined in his approach. The only type of pass we recorded Gianni executing in the study was a leg drag pass. What’s more, this leg drag passing strategy led to two separate roads to the back. These roads included a back take from the pass it self, or a back take from an attempted escape once he was able to establish side-control.

Grippo’s submission game was even more defined. The only submission we recorded during the study were chokes from the back. It becomes clear upon reflection that Gianni Grippo has become an expert in walking each of his opponents into a very familiar fate. He has one of the most defined strategies of any competitor we’ve studied; and it all starts from the DLR or RDLR guard.

Taking everything into account, it is obvious that Grippo’s end-game involves the back, and he reverse engineers it from his strongest and most diversified position, open guard. The only downside to having such a defined game is that it paints a very clear picture to opponents as to what your comfort zone is. However, Gianni has seemed to understand this. Recently, in a post on his brand new blog, GianniGrippo.com, ….

Read the rest of this article in the next issue of Jiu Jitsu Style

grippo stat sheet

 

Categories
BishopBjj News

World Jiu Jitsu Championship 2014 – Podcast Breakdown

BishopBjj.com Podcast Breaking Down Worlds

Check out our latest podcast as we discuss a variety of World Jiu Jitsu topics including:
–       What’s on the docket?
o   Complete Worlds Breakdown

  • Stories
  • Results
  • Trends
  • Futures
  • Memories

o   Eddie Bravo Invitational talk
o   Bloody Elbow article conversation
o   New techniques in BJJ

  • Worm guard

o   Jiu Jitsu Pet Peeves
o   Jons Sour Grapes
o   Jena’s Hate Corner
o   Roosters jiu jitsu travel tip
o   Mikes nerd topic
o   Phil’s Thoughts
 

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"It's Science" Videos

Jiu Jitsu Submissions Reference Chart

By: Tyler Bishop
One of the reasons BishopBjj.com exists today in it’s current form is to bring some structure to the internal debates about jiu jitsu competition. Recently, the discussion around jiu jitsu competition formats has reached an apex. What is the truest form of jiu jitsu? Which type of format is most exciting? What rules should be applied?
All of this talk is healthy for the sport to grow and evolve. However, one of the biggest problems people fail to bring into the conversation is empirical data.  Jiu jitsu was built on the scientific principle of testing a hypothesis. If you think a move works, why not try it against a resisting opponent? Collect the data and try again. This is the foundation of science. Unfortunately, often the arguments that we are hearing around the rules and tournament formats are based in personal perception, not reality.
It’s not easy to compile data on jiu jitsu competition, nor is there much available outside of what our site has produced. Therefore these arguments are hard to be won on facts alone, so there will always be a level of personal bias inflicted upon these discussions until that changes. But I encourage everyone involved in these debates to continue to ask the tough questions, and always ask for proof. Below is a chart that highlights several major events and their submission history in the last 2 years. It is far from a study like we have done in the past, but it’s some basic info that I encourage you to share so that we all can at least have this as a starting point in these discussions.
Jiu Jitsu is deepy personal and we all enjoy it. We all want the best for the sport-side of things, that’s why everyone has a strong opinion about it.  As long as there is a demand to know the facts we will continue to work on providing it. #jiujitsuscience
jiu jitsu sub breakdown
 

Categories
BishopBjj News

Epic Pan Jiu jitsu Matches

Checkout my personal collection of favorite Pan matches. Which is your favorite? Vote below.

Clark Gracie vs. Lapela

First up, Clark Gracie vs. Marcelo Mafra. This match was so interesting to watch live. You almost couldn’t believe Clark was able to will himself to victory at the end. It reminded me of Buchecha winning the absolute in 2012 in the final seconds.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD1QOAh-W_Q?rel=0&w=560&h=315])

Kron vs. Buchecha

Wait, Kron and Buchecha have competed before? Oh yes. Having witnessed the match in-person, I have to say it was one of the most intense and active matches I’ve ever had a chance to see. It’s the match that first made me notice Buchecha. It also shows just how scrappy Kron is.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1M0Uz2KpQc?rel=0&w=560&h=315])

Cobrinha vs. Rafa Mendes

Few matches make you hold your breath to the point of exhaustion like this one did to everyone in attendance. Cobrinha and Rafa have fought many times. Most of their matches have been very close with the winner only getting a slight edge over the other. Every match except THIS ONE!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dul-rG1QFvY?rel=0&w=420&h=315])

Jacare vs. Terere

At the time this was the clash of the titans. Looking back this was an epic battle of athletes. there are few competitors now with the equaled athleticism of Jacare and Terere.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v0Bodj3fKw?rel=0&w=420&h=315])

Roger Gracie vs. Lovato Jr.

Lovato had made a name for himself. He was the best American competing at the time, and Roger was beginning to be at his peak. The match is textbook Roger Gracie. It shows just how good he was in that peroid.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb66kMc2ZlA?rel=0&w=420&h=315])
Obviously, many of mine are of the modern era. I can’t help it. This is the era I’ve experienced. Not only that, but all the epic matches in history are not all represented well online. Hopefully with the advent of IBJJFTV this will not be a problem for future generations.
[polldaddy poll=7870710]
fuji shirt 1
 
 

Categories
"It's Science" Videos

Jiu Jitsu Is Science by David Adiv

There are few I have learned more about jiu jitsu from than David Adiv. He is both a master of the art of jiu jitsu, and a masterful human being. It is my pleasure to do my part in sharing him and his teaching with the world.
In this excerpt from our podcast with him, David describes why jiu jitsu is a lot more scientific than philosophical.

Video of David Adiv explaining jiu jitsu

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=853q0bhg3T8&w=560&h=315]

David Adiv’s recent notoriety in the UFC

David has recently had his profile raised due to his presence in the corner of UFC fighter Mickey Gall. Mickey has given a lot of credit to David and his training for his success in the Octagon.
When commentating on his brown belt in jiu jitsu following his victory over the acclaimed CM Punk Mickey had this to say…

“Actually, I’m a brown belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Master david Adiv!”

david adiv bjj
David was also known for being in Royler Gracie’s corner during many of his legendary matches during his MMA as well.
David is one of the grappling and mixed martial art’s best kept secrets; as he is not a self-promotional individual. He is a source of powerful source of wisdom and knowledge for all of his students.

Categories
BishopBjj News

BishopBJJ Podcast 12: Hillary Williams

Checkout our latest podcast featuring special guest, world champion Hillary Williams. We breakdown 2013, look forward to 2014, look at the IBJJF controversy, and discuss a wide array of unique and engaging topics.
Join us an find out what the jiu jitsu community is raving about. Hopefully you’ll enjoy our improved setup and sound quality.

Categories
BishopBjj News

Jena Bishop Highlight 2013

Check out Jena’s highlight video from this year. It was a big year for her. She earned her first world championship and punched a ticket to the Abu Dhabi World Pro. She is currently preparing for her first full year at black belt.
Note: Her friends lovingly call her “the truth” because she has a propensity for “telling it like it is”, no frills haha.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8royhmYCJI&w=560&h=315]

Categories
"It's Science" Videos Live Technique and Perspective Videos

The Open Guard Ecosystem For Jiu Jitsu

It is often said that the guard is the secret to jiu jitsu. Well, often secrets are hard to keep. In the case of the open guard, many of the techniques have extrapolated out over time into incredibly complex systems due to the collective improvement of jiu jitsu over the same span. So where does it end? What has the open guard become, and how should someone navigate it in light of these new evolutions?
Paulo-Miyao
Imagine every jiu jitsu player as a unique jungle. Each jungle has it’s own climate, flora and fauna, and treacherous ends. The open guard has evolved well beyond a set of specific techniques, and is now a lot like the jungle. It is a full-fledged ecosystem consisting of a blend of multiple singular positions. We are all built differently; however, certain elements of the open guard are present in all of us. It is up to each guard player to build their jungle accordingly.
The key is making sure that your ecosystem does not lack a critical component for life. For example, you may have trees, beasts, and a warm climate, but if you don’t have fresh water nothing will survive.  Open guard is a lot like this. If you have developed a strong understanding of spider guard and lasso guard, yet lack competency in de la riva and x-guard you may find your ecosystem insufficient at times. Although it is not required that you be perfect at all forms of open guard, it is necessary to understand the basic components of all positions so that your system can fully-develop.
guardpass6
In fact, the key is not to fully-develop every open guard position; rather it’s most important to understand how to properly return to the positions you are most comfortable with. For example 80% of your open guard may consist of setting up single leg x-guard; however, it may be necessary to use spider guard to set it up, or use de la riva to defend against certain passes. Without this extra 20% your tailor made guard may have difficulty gaining momentum. So what are these key positions to understand (these are the bases – obviously there are a lot variations)?

  • Spider Guard
  • Lasso Guard
  • X-Guard
  • De La Riva Guard
  • Reverse De La Riva
  • Sleeve and Collar Control Guard
  • Situp Guard

The best open guard players typically select one or two of these guards and build close to 80-90% of their open guard game around those specific positions. However, as mentioned above without a full understanding of each position there will likely be some form of deficiency. So which is right for you? What should you build your open guard ecosystem around? Let’s start with a few examples that may help you.

Players with a strong Spider guard ecosystem base:

Michael Langhi
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3UgRERk66c&w=560&h=315]
 

Players with a strong Lasso guard ecosystem base:

Keenan Cornelius
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkTtoCe7Fgk&w=420&h=315]
 

Players with a strong X-Guard  ecosystem base:

Marcelo Garcia (duh)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLQh2aEP93Y&w=560&h=315]
 

Players with a strong De La Riva guard  ecosystem base:

Rafael Mendes
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81rn5hu7asA&w=560&h=315]
 

Players with a strong Reverse De La Riva guard  ecosystem base:

Caio Terra
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCSx1FJFMHk&w=420&h=315]
 

Players with a strong Collar and Sleeve guard  ecosystem base:

Kron Gracie
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-mbhx_Auks&w=560&h=315]
 

Players with a strong Situp guard  ecosystem base:

Ruben “Conbrinha” Charles
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u32CfxW63mE&w=560&h=315]
 

… But as mentioned above, the ecosystem is continuing to evolve. New guard players like Leandro Lo are forcing the community to re-evaluate some of these open guard positions.

Leandro Lo
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzDHkoZeO8A&w=560&h=315]